CHICAGO — The United States Men’s National Team dropped its final pre-World Cup tune-up Saturday, falling to Germany 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 63,636 at Soldier Field. The result stings, but the performance offered real reason for optimism as the Americans head into next Friday’s World Cup opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Two Minutes In, Already Playing from Behind
Germany needed all of 120 seconds to draw first blood. Tyler Adams committed a foul just outside the U.S. box, and Joshua Kimmich delivered a dangerous free kick from the right side. Kai Havertz, the newly crowned English Premier League champion with Arsenal, shed Miles Robinson with ease and headed home past Matt Freese, who barely moved on the line. It was a brutal early wake-up call and exposed a centerback pairing already missing the injured Chris Richards.
Jedi Answers with a Thunderbolt
The Americans absorbed the early blow and grew into the match. Then, in the 37th minute, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson gave the home crowd something to erupt over. Christian Pulisic sent a corner kick into the box, Germany’s Jonathan Tah headed it clear, and Robinson pounced on the ball at the top of the arc. One clean swing of the left foot, and the volley was rifled into the roof of the net. Oliver Baumann had no chance. Robinson celebrated with his trademark backflip as Soldier Field shook. It was the kind of goal that belongs in a World Cup highlight reel, not a warm-up match.
Sané Slips the Dagger In
The second half started with both teams level and the U.S. looking the more energized side. But Germany punished a lapse in the 57th minute when Leroy Sané converted after a Havertz assist to make it 2-1. It was Sané’s 17th international goal, and it came at exactly the wrong moment for a U.S. squad that had been building toward something in the early part of the second period.
Substitutions, Cramps, and Controlled Chaos
Around the hour mark, Mauricio Pochettino turned to his bench. Sebastian Berhalter came on for Weston McKennie, Mark McKenzie replaced Miles Robinson, and Auston Trusty slotted in at left back after Antonee Robinson left with what was later announced as cramping. Giovanni Reyna replaced Christian Pulisic. The Americans pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t find the finishing touch against a composed German side protecting its lead.
The Bigger Picture
This was the final dress rehearsal, and despite the loss, there is plenty to take from it. The U.S. was the more threatening team through long stretches, finished with an 11-4 edge in shot attempts, and dominated corners 8-1. Freese was solid between the posts for the 15th time in his last 18 starts. And Antonee Robinson’s moment of pure quality served as a reminder of what this squad is capable of when it clicks.
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion that failed to advance past the group stage at each of the last two tournaments, opens its own campaign against Curaçao on June 14.
The USMNT now turns its full attention to the World Cup. Paraguay is first. Then Australia on June 19 in Seattle, and Turkey on June 25 back in Inglewood. Friday can’t come soon enough.